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16° 40’ Karkataka - 30° 00’ Karkataka In the Sky
Ashlesha, heralder of mercurial energy, is represented in night sky by a ring of stars in constellation of Hydra, known in modern astronomy as Epsilon Hydrae, Delta Hydrae, Mu Hydrae, Rho Hydrae, Sigma Hydrae & Zeta Hydrae. These stars are easily visible in a dark sky from pollution free vantage points, even though they are not bright stars, as brightest among them, Zeta Hydrae has a visual magnitude of 3.12. In essence, whole of constellation Hydrae can be seen to be representative of this asterism.
Name
Ashlesha is a term normally associated with serpent imagery and can be translated as ”coiling”, ”clinging”, ”embracing” or ”entwining”. As we shall discover, all these terms directly define its nature and functioning. Name is probably derived from serpent king / god ”Shesha”.
Symbol
A ”coiled snake” (please refer to image) is main symbol of this asterism. Along with its name, this symbol makes it clear that essence of Ashlesha lies in serpent imagery, an imagery which can be found in every surviving ancient civilization.
Most cultures see snakes as secretive, creepy, wily, cold-blooded, deceptive, insincere, hypnotic and poisonous creatures. All these qualities find their way into Ashlesha’s functioning. On positive side, serpents are seen as semi-Divine creatures with access to other worlds. They are supposed to have great primordial powers of insight, intuition, perception, wisdom, cunning, concentration and sexuality.
Ashlesha, when functioning through its higher aspect, displays these qualities. In present times, when worst side of everything is on display, one can usually expect only aforementioned, negative qualities to predominate.
Brain researchers have now been able to locate most ancient part of brain. It is known as ”R” complex. R here stands for ”reptilian”. All above mentioned instinctual, negative qualities have been ascribed to this part of brain. Thus a clear, tangible relation between reptiles, serpents and these types of human qualities is established.
It is interesting to note that DNA, building block of our genetic code has a helical, coiled serpent shape. Thus Ashlesha has a lot to do with genetic heritage, Karma we have brought from previous lives and scope of changes we are allowed to make in present one.
Deity
Ashlesha is supposed to be ruled by celestial serpent kingdom as a whole. In Vedic mythology, Nagas (half serpent / half human creatures) and other types of serpent beings abound throughout all 14 Lokas (realms of existence). In some of legends, these beings are supposed to reside on earthly plane, as well as under lakes, rivers or ocean beds. Mystery, being one of basic attributes of Ashlesha, it is no wonder then that all of these beings are shrouded in mystery. Legends however make it clear that serpent beings or forces were necessary for proper functioning of universal affairs. Readers can refer to ”Churning of ocean legend” in author’s previous work ”The Rahu - Ketu Experience”, Sagar Publications, India or ”The Key Of Life”, Lotus Press, USA.
Even Vishnu always incarnates on earth with his serpent guard Shesha. When Vishnu incarnated as Rama, Shesha incarnated as Lakshmana. It is interesting to note that Lakshmana was born with Ashlesha rising on his Lagna. His character reflects many of qualities of Ashlesha (refer to Vedic legend ”Ramayana”).
Negative type of serpents, however, need to be subdued and won over, just like lower negative aspects of human nature are won over through knowledge, wisdom and understanding. Krishna’s killing of many headed snake called Kaliya (refer to Vedic legend ”Mahabharata”), and in Greek legend, Hercules's killing of Delphi serpent, illustrate this point.
Only other Nakshatra directly associated with serpent energy is Uttarabhadrapada. Usually it is noticed that higher, more refined aspects of serpent energy are displayed there, while Ashlesha epitomizes more primordial and instinctual part of serpent symbolism. Since Patala Loka (realm ruled by serpent beings lying just below earthly plane of existence) is supposed to be a seething pleasure ground (base and gross in comparison to higher heavenly realm) meant for gratification and indulgence, Ashlesha often displays an unquenchable thirst for gratification on earthly plane of existence as well.
Nature & Functioning
English words which use Ashlesha’s alphabets (”Da”, ”Di”, ”Do”) - ”demon”, ”diabolical”, ”darkness”, ”debauchery”, ”devouring”, ”danger”, ”deceit”, ”deception”, ”dastardly”, ”dagger”, ”decadence”, ”degenerate”, ”delinquent”, ”destitute”, ”defile”, ”destruction”, ”depression”, ”damned”, ”death”, ”delusion”, ”desperation”, ”despotic”, ”doom”, ”devious”, ”doctor” - sum up Ashlesha’s nature and functioning. Much needn’t be said after a thought is paid to each of these terms. Obviously this doesn’t paint Ashlesha in a good light, but it is very hard for Ashlesha to function in a wholesome and healthy way when acting on a mundane level.
Ashlesha is perhaps most difficult of all Nakshatra energies to handle and channel correctly, especially in present day and age. Even ancient Sages and scholars had very few kind words to say in relation to this Nakshatra. It has its occult and esoteric significance, which reader can look up in esoteric section of this chapter.
Ashlesha rising gives a squarish face; parallel, straight, wide, thin lips; beady small eyes; a naturally suspicious look and a pale complexion. Despite lacking facial attractiveness, natives born under this Nakshatra generally have sexually appealing bodies. Their movements are similar to that of snakes. They are very conscious of how they move and how their movement arouses sexual passion in others.
They are adept at putting up socially acceptable and amiable fronts. They use courtesy as a tool to flatter others. This good humor doesn’t last for long, for once their objective is achieved, they are immediately cold and ruthless. They are always scheming and plotting when it comes to climbing social ladder. Since they often work from very superficial levels, their chameleon like quality and deception is very evident to anyone having an above-average level of perceptiveness. Ashlesha element in a personality can be easily spotted through almost constant suspicion and mistrust prevalent in background. Worry and caution follow them relentlessly.
On a positive level, their suspicious natures make them good observers. This power of observation is often combined with a natural intuition. However, Ashlesha’s intuitive and psychic capabilities tend to function best in situations where an element of danger is there. Natives can sense danger quickly and react quickly. On a negative level, their suspicion can turn into paranoia. In its extreme state, paranoia can become an illness. Paranoid schizophrenia is a disease whose roots lie in Ashlesha. Ashlesha natives can aid others in psychological exploration and understanding, but they also have a tendency to use their psychological perceptiveness to exploit others.
It is predominance of Ashlesha energy which makes society a cradle of fear and suspicion. Ashlesha is about ”lock your doors and mistrust your neighbor.” It is due to this inherent mistrust that Ashlesha natives tend to remain hidden in regards to their true thoughts and feelings. They do not form intimate bonds with others and will mistrust their most closest confidantes and families. They are, however, highly protective towards their kith and kin and will ward off suspicious intruders in most ruthless manner.
Ashlesha natives can be most mean and stingy in regards to financial affairs. Their miserliness never pays in end, as they always end up having losses one way or other. Presence of Ashlesha in a nativity works both ways - one deceives others and gets deceived by others. Many Ashlesha natives are victims, rather than users, especially natives who have Grahas like Surya and Guru placed in Ashlesha.
Ashlesha is a glutton and shows great interest in food, especially when it is not Satvic and prepared by others. Ashlesha natives find themselves at home in hotels, bars, restaurants and like. They usually cannot bear any kind of hunger. They are hoarders of zodiac and dislike throwing anything away. They can go to real extremes in this regard and need to learn to put material world into its proper perspective. They have a natural affinity for poisons. They do not mind drugs, pharmaceuticals, allopathy, doctors, antibiotics etc.
Ashlesha natives enjoy business activities which border on crookery. They never employ straight methods in business and want some type of cheating or deception to be involved. They find humor in tricking others. They like mental games and strategy. They delight in hoodwinking others.
If one thinks of characteristics of cats and snakes, it is not difficult to sum upon Ashlesha personality. Cunningness, calculativeness, caution, cold-bloodedness, wiliness, stealth are common traits amongst cats and snakes. Only way Ashlesha natives can use their singularly negative traits in a positive manner is by aligning themselves with universal will. Key for utilizing Ashlesha in a positive way is to overcome one’s innate selfishness. Having done that, suspicion will turn into discretion and wiliness into wisdom. Ashlesha is first step on path of spiritual awakening.
Underbelly of nature is encountered here. One has to face all dark demons of inner psyche, in order to come out shining and purified. Ashlesha’s natural tendency to look under surface has to be utilized for understanding hidden elements of nature’s functionings.
In universal scheme of things, Ashlesha relates to ”Visasleshana Shakti” - power to inflict poison. Its symbolism has an approaching serpent above and trembling below. This relates Ashlesha with all kinds of sharp, venomous attacks made at one’s enemy or prey. Once again dangerous and naturally malefic potentiality of this Nakshatra come to light.
Mode of Functioning
Ashlesha is considered to be an active Nakshatra. Ashlesha on surface often appears to be a passive Nakshatra, but that is only because all its activities are hidden. Even if an Ashlesha native seems to be physically passive, one will find that they are weaving many webs on mental plane. Ashlesha’s activities are subterranean in all senses of world. In present day and age, where all workings of elite take place in secret, away from eyes of public, one cannot help but see a dominant role of Ashlesha in halls of power.
Caste
It belongs to lowest caste which is called Mleccha (outcaste). In its lower functionings, Ashlesha is a sort of general menace to society in all known forms like bandits, cheats, oppressors, exploiters etc. In its higher functioning, it relates to Yogi who renounces world in search for enlightenment. In both ways, Ashlesha doesn’t seem to fit into societal civilized structure.
Gender
It is a female Nakshatra. Since ancient Vedic Seers have made this classification without enunciating a reason, we have to conclude that intuitive, perceptive and deceptive qualities ascribed to Ashlesha, relate more to female of species rather than male. One can notice that even male natives under prominent influence of Ashlesha have a feminine way about them.
Body Parts & Humor
Bone joints like elbows, knuckles, knee caps, nails and ears are body parts related to this Nakshatra.
It is a primarily ”Kapha” (watery) Nakshatra. This is due to its relationship with Rasi Karkataka. Most serpent deities are shown as having Kapha characteristics, like stagnation, laziness, indulgence etc.
Direction
It is related to directional range which covers North-West to North. Like all serpent energies, it is strong in South-West as well.
Padas
First Pada of this asterism (16° 40’ - 20° 00’ Karkataka) falls in Dhanur Navamsa and is ruled by Guru. This Pada has ability to put in most hard work. It has a lot to do with dealing with enmity, diseases and other 6th Bhava affairs.
Second Pada of this asterism (20° 00’ - 23° 20’ Karkataka) falls in Makara Navamsa ruled by Sani. This Pada is mostly involved in dealing with people. It is a highly ambitious Pada, which is usually liable to use all of Ashlesha’s negative traits, like trickery and deceit, to get what it wants. An inability to let go of possessions is another unique aspect of this Pada. Being a Ganda Mula Pada, this Pada is considered bad for finances.
Third Pada of this asterism (23° 20’ - 26° 40’ Karkataka) falls in Kumbha Navamsa ruled by Sani. Secrecy is keyword to this Pada. It, however, is most closely related to occult side of Ashlesha, discussed in esoteric section. This Pada usually goes to unusual lengths and takes highly inventive approaches to scheming and plotting. Grahas placed here adversely effects mother’s wellbeing.
Fourth Pada of this asterism (26° 40’ - 30° 00’ Karkataka) falls in Meena Navamsa ruled by Guru. This is Pada relating to all kinds of illusions. Moral struggle is at its peak here. This is place where ”serpent of Ashlesha” finally gets slain, and people under strong influence of this Pada are more likely to get tricked by others, rather than deceive others. Such natives are always putting up fronts and hardly ever show their true nature. Grahas placed here adversely effect father’s wellbeing.
Professions
All professions dealing with poisons; petroleum industry; chemical engineers; cigarette industry; legal and illegal drug dealers; drug pushers; all self-serving professions like present day politicians; behind scenes manipulators; psychologists; con artists; thieves; swindlers; pornography industry; prostitutes; snake charmers; professions involving dealing with reptiles; allopathic doctors & surgeons; pet snake & pet cat owners; poachers; secret service agents; spies; lawyers; pawnbrokers; physical Yoga teachers; Tantrics (usually beginner types); hypnotists; psychologists / psychiatrists; spirit mediums; charlatan channelists / psychics etc.; false gurus and cult leaders; baseball players.
Places
All places where snakes & reptiles dwell; secret service institutions (CIA, FBI etc.); hospitals; law firms; all factories dealing with poisonous chemical processes; drug stores; pawn shops; sleazy places where illegal prostitution & drug peddling thrive; false cults & religious institutions like ISKON etc.; all places connected with above professions.
Guna & Tatva
It is supposed to be a Satvic Nakshatra. This classification might perplex reader, but intention of ancient Seers can be understood thus - Ashlesha relates directly to Kundalini Shakti (see esoteric section), which encodes all of our life, all of our previous lives experiences. She (Kundalini Shakti) is our mother and our individual blueprint and so cannot be regarded as anything but purely Satvic.
It belongs to water element. There’s not much to explain here, as this classification is in keeping with its predominant Kapha humor.
Gana
It is considered a ”Rakshasa” (demonic) Nakshatra. This comes as no surprise as Hydra, Ashlesha’s representative constellation in sky, is said to be abode of most dangerous celestial demonic creatures. Ashlesha, as we have seen already, can be quite cruel and wicked and very rarely functions from an unselfish perspective.
Orientation & Disposition
It is downward Nakshatra. It is common knowledge that snakes don’t live above ground. Ashlesha stands for and is interested in all things underground, both literally and figuratively. Grahas placed in Ashlesha often feel contained or constrained and often have to work in a behind--scenes fashion.
It is a hard, sharp and dreadful Nakshatra. This comes as no surprise, considering immensity of its negative potential. Reader can refer to nature section of this Nakshatra for nitty gritty of it.
Lunar Month & Tithi
It relates to first half of lunar month of Magha, a period which usually falls in January in solar (Gregorian) calendar.
Ashlesha is also related to Navami ( 9th Tithi) of waxing and waning phases of Chandr’s monthly cycle.
Auspicious Activities
All types of activities requiring harsh measures, like administering poisons, filing of lawsuits etc.; good for scheming & plotting against one’s enemies; good for sexual activity; good for all low risk short-term activities; good for Kundalini Yoga.
Inauspicious Activities
Generally unfavorable for all types of beginnings & auspicious activities; this is a good time to lie low; especially unfavorable for doing business; bad for borrowing or lending money.
Lords
Chandr and Budh are two Grahas connected with this Nakshatra, Budh being main planetary Lord. Mostly negative mercurial traits, like evasiveness, deception and deviousness, get highlighted in this Nakshatra. Ashlesha uses Budh’s alacrity, perceptiveness and calculating ability, more often than not, to further its own selfish ends. This is obviously case in present day and age, but actual functioning of Budh here is to control mind (represented by Chandr).
Ashlesha is supposed to be place where intellect develops itself, to control and direct vast subconscious and instinctual workings of mind. In today’s world, Budh’s ability to direct Chandr, is used for deceiving masses (Chandr) through media (Budh). This negative usage of mercurial energy makes this one of most dangerous Nakshatras in Kali Yuga (present age / cycle of humanity). This is especially evident when seen in light of fact that Budh is representative of one of preserving forces in nature. As a result, society / civilization and natural world are thrown completely out of balance. Ashlesha is battleground where war between intellect and emotions, conscious and subconscious, reasonability and primevality, takes place. Its turbulent energies make it very susceptible to decadence and taking wrong path.
Chandr / Budh conjunction in a horoscope give similar results to Ashlesha. Ketu is supposed to give good results in Ashlesha, when aspected by Guru. No other Graha can be said to function well in this Nakshatra. A well placed Budh, however, can make native a shrewd and manipulative businessman.
Vowels & Alphabets
First Pada of this asterism (16° 40’ - 20° 00’ Karkataka) corresponds to ”Dee” as in Deena.
Second Pada of this asterism (20° 00’ - 23° 20’ Karkataka) corresponds to ”Doo” as in Dupont or Dude .
Third Pada of this asterism (23° 20’ - 26° 40’ Karkataka) corresponds to ”Day” as in David.
Fourth Pada of this asterism (26° 40’ - 30° 00’ Karkataka) corresponds to ”Doh” as in Dorothy or Doctor.
In Sanskrit alphabet, Ashlesha corresponds to ”Kha” and”Ga”, consequently its Mantras are ”Om Kham” and ”Om Gam”.
Sexual Type & Compatibility
Its sexual animal is a cat. Cats are quite intensely sexual animals. One can easily see that even basic keywords for Ashlesha, like entwining, clinging, embracing and coiling, relate to sexual union. In present day and age, this Nakshatra can be said to be responsible for most of sexual exploitation.
Aside from its own Nakshatra, it is most sexually compatible with Purnavasu.
For sexual & marital compatibility with other Nakshatras please refer to tables at end of this document.
Esoteric
We have already noticed connection between Ashlesha and Hydra, most feared serpent in night sky. In Greek legends, Hydra is supposed to be this many headed serpent, which was finally subdued by Hercules. It is interesting to note that royal Nakshatra of Magha (see next chapter) lies right next to this serpent constellation. Ancient legends are trying to tell us that crown and authority (represented by Magha) is only achieved after dark serpent (vices and undesirable qualities) is subdued within each one of us. Lower nature has to be won over before we can tune into our higher nature. Ashlesha is therefore a crucial focal point for battle between good and bad. It is last among first cycle of Nakshatras (a new cycle begins in Magha).
Ashlesha relates directly to Kundalini. Kundalini is a serpent shaped, two and a half coils of astral / causal energy, which lies in Muladhara Chakra (sacral root centre) at base of our spines. It is function of Ashlesha to arouse and activate this energy. Most of Ashlesha’s field and scope of activity lies within instinctual, primordial domain of root centre.
Arousal of Kundalini is first step on way to enlightenment. This again reemphasizes point that Ashlesha is a point where a conscious choice is made. This choice of course relates to letting go of our baser, gross materialistic nature so that we can begin our journey on path of wisdom and enlightenment. Journey of Kundalini, which begins in Ashlesha, culminates in Uttarabhadrapada (see Chapter 26).
Gotra
This Nakshatra is related to Sage Vashishta, one of seven celestial Sages looking after affairs of our galaxy. Name of this Sage translates into ”possessor of wealth”. According to Vedic texts, most of serpent deities are said to guard treasure. According to ancient Vedic mythology, most of celestial serpent deities are shown as being enormously wealthy. Thus it is appropriate that Sage who has most to do with wealth, presides over this Nakshatra.
Remedial
Paying reverence or obeisance to serpents or doing serpent rituals like Sarpa Homa is useful for gaining favor of energies of this Nakshatra. In India, a special day, known as ”Narga Panchami”, is reserved for feeding milk to snakes and worshipping serpent deities. Practicing Kundalini Yoga (also known as Raja Yoga) is best way of rising above negative qualities of this Nakshatra.
Repetition of root Mantras of this Nakshatra - ”Om Kham” and ”Om Gam” 108 times when Chandr transits this Nakshatra and during lunar month of this Nakshatra, is sure to reduce suffering and bring enlightenment into a person’s life.
Persons who are benefiting from positive energy of this Nakshatra can also increase good effects through above mentioned ways. Ashlesha natives are usually attracted to dark shades of every color. They are often seen wearing red and black. However, they are advised to wear more Satvic shades, even when they are using variegated colors. They should avoid gaudy shades.
Example
Indira Gandhi, first and only woman prime minister of India, was born with Ashlesha rising on Lagna. Her extremely manipulative and deceptive nature is now common knowledge, especially in India. Her life and works reveal all of Ashlesha’s functionings in modern times. Greed, deceit, tragedy, treachery, betrayal, false gurus, false propaganda - she had it all!
Mahatma Gandhi was born with Chandr in Ashlesha. Even though he was a deceptive type with not completely wholesome motives, he was able to fool public, who raised him to Sainthood.
Miscellaneous
According to Varahamihira, those born with Chandr in Ashlesha are ”false, wicked, ungrateful, crafty and gluttonous, eating everything in sight”.
